Preserving Archaeological Remains
Decision-taking for Sites under Development
This advice is for developers, owners, archaeologists and planners working on projects where the intention is to retain and protect archaeological sites beneath or within the development. It can also be read in relation to other land-use or site management work. It has a particular focus on decision-taking on waterlogged archaeological sites.
The emphasis throughout is on the benefits gained, both to sustainable development and the archaeological resource from understanding:
- the significance and current state of preservation of the archaeological material
- the potential development impacts of the proposed scheme
- (in relation to sites containing waterlogged archaeological remains) the availability and quality of water necessary to sustain the long-term future of those sites.
It also highlights the likely range of information needed to fully assess these issues and the benefits of pre-application discussion and assessment to promote a viable way forward for sustainable development on what can often be complex sites. Whilst particular sections of this document are focused on waterlogged archaeological sites, the core themes within this advice note, of prior preservation and impact assessment are relevant to all sites.
Additional methodological detail and technical advice is provided in the appendices.
Contents
- Introduction
- Early engagement
- Preservation assessment and deposit characterisation
- Identifying impacts
- Water availability and stresses
- Final decision-taking
- Summary review
- Bibliography
- Acknowledgements
- Appendix 1 – Case Studies
- Appendix 2 – Preservation assessment techniques
- Appendix 3 – Water environment assessment techniques
- Appendix 4 – Water monitoring for archaeological sites
- Appendix 5 – The reburial of archaeological sites (November 2024)
Case studies for Appendix 5 – The Reburial of Archaeological Sites
The following case studies illustrate some aspects of the good practice outlined in the guidance document.
They were all carried out before the guidance was published, so not all elements of the decision-making and reburial process match those set out in the guidance. The case studies do, however, illustrate key points from consultation discussions between archaeologists, conservators, and engineers during the excavation and reburial of the sites.
A few of these case studies relate to the construction of the high speed rail link (HS2) between London and Birmingham.
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Case Study 1 - Curzon Street Round House, Birmingham
Reburial of a 19th-century engine shed.
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Case Study 2 - Hunt’s Green Farm, Buckinghamshire
Reburial of an Iron Age boundary ditch.
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Case Study 3 - Culverwell Mesolithic site, Portland Bill, Dorset
Reburial of a Mesolithic site with occupation evidence.
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Case Study 4 - Harvil Road, Buckinghamshire
Reburial of a post-medieval brick and tile kiln.
Additional Information
- Series: Guidance
- Publication Status: Completed
- Pages: Main report (40); Appendix 1 (28); Appendix 2 (34); Appendix 3 (42); Appendix 4 (36); Appendix 5 (49)
- Product Code: HEAG100a; Appdx 1 HEAG100b; Appdx 2 HEAG100c; Appdx 3 HEAG100d; Appdx 4 HEAG100e; Appdx 5 HEAG100f
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